The nurse is admitting an older adult patient to the acute care medical unit. Which assessment factor alerts the nurse that this patient has a risk for

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Chronic renal insufficiency. Older adults with chronic renal insufficiency are at risk for base imbalances due to impaired kidney function affecting acid-base balance. This condition can lead to metabolic acidosis or alkalosis. Choice A, base imbalances, is not a direct assessment factor but rather a consequence of underlying conditions like chronic renal insufficiency. Choice B, history of myocardial infarction 1 year ago, may increase the risk of cardiac complications but is not directly related to base imbalances. Choice D, shortness of breath with extreme exertion, may indicate respiratory or cardiac issues but does not directly correlate with base imbalances.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Step 1: Ingestion and metabolic synthesis less than utilization and excretion result in a deficit. Step 2: A negative balance occurs when there is a deficit in the body's overall substance levels. Step 3: Negative balance indicates that the body is losing more of the substance than it is gaining. Therefore, choice C (negative balance) is correct as it accurately describes the state of the body in this scenario. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not reflect the concept of a deficit in substance levels as seen in a negative balance.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D: skeleton. Bones have the lowest percentage of water content compared to other tissues. Bones are composed of minerals, mainly calcium and phosphorus, which make up a significant portion of their structure. Adipose tissue (B) contains a higher percentage of water due to its role in storing fat. Muscle tissue (C) has a moderate water content as it is composed of water, proteins, and other substances. Blood (A) has the highest percentage of water among the choices due to its liquid nature and functions in transportation and circulation.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A (0 percent) because interstitial fluid is the fluid that surrounds the cells outside of the cell membrane, not the fluid within the cells themselves. Intracellular fluid refers to the fluid inside the cells, which does not include interstitial fluid. Therefore, interstitial fluid does not make up any percentage of intracellular fluid. Explanation for other choices: B: 25 percent - This is incorrect because interstitial fluid is not part of intracellular fluid, so it cannot make up a percentage of it. C: 50 percent - This is incorrect as well for the same reason as above. D: 75 percent - This is also incorrect because interstitial fluid is not part of intracellular fluid at all.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because plasma and interstitial fluid are in dynamic equilibrium and do exchange materials through capillary walls. Changing the composition of one affects the other due to this exchange. Choice A is incorrect because plasma and interstitial fluid have some differences. Choice B is incorrect as capillary walls allow for exchange. Choice C is incorrect as proteins are restricted from freely passing through capillary walls.